By Emma Li
Have you noticed the recent phenomenon known as Korean pop (K-pop) these days? Fans of the genre are scattered around the world, including France, Germany, Japan, Australia, Taiwan, Russia, China and even the U.S. These young singers, called “idols,” are universally popular not only because of their unique choreography but also for their attractive appearances, sure to steal anyone’s heart. That’s enough introduction – now I’m going to introduce you to some of the hottest K-pop boy groups that are trending globally. Y’all ready? It’s about to go down!
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Group Name: BTS
Members: Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Rap Monster, Jimin, V, Jung Kook
Company: Big Hit Entertainment
Debut Date: June 12, 2013
Album: 2013-《2 COOL 4 SKOOL》, 《O! R U L8, 2?》
2014-《Skool Luv Affair 》, 《Skool Luv Affair Special Addition》,
《DARK & WILD》
2015-《花樣年華 pt.1》, 《花樣年華 pt.2》
2016-《花樣年華 Young Forever》, 《WINGS》, 《You Never Walk Alone》
Fandom Name: A.R.M.Y
I want to start off with my bias, Bangtan Boys, also known as BTS. Their song “Blood Sweat & Tears” is what made me fall in love with the group. The music video for the song describes a fallen angel, played by V, who tries to tempt Jin into his vicious world. The coolest part of the choreography is when the members cover their faces with their hands. It relates back to the concept of the music video where V makes everyone delusional.
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Group Name: NCT 127
Members: Tae Il, Jhonny, Tae Yong, Yuta, Do Young, Jae Hyun, WinWin, Mark,
HaeChan
Company: SM Entertainment
Debut Date: July 7, 2016
Album: 2016-《NCT #127》, 《NCT #127 LIMITLESS》
Fandom Name: TBD
“Good Thing” was the song that brought my attention to this fairly new SM Entertainment boy group. The beat of the song reminds me a little bit of Ariana Grande’s “Focus.” One interesting fact about NCT 127 is the members’ diverse backgrounds. Tae Il, HaeChan, Tae Yong and Jae Hyun are from Korea, Yuta is from Japan, WinWin is from China and Mark is from Canada.
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Group Name: Astro
Members: MJ, JinJin, Cha EunWoo, Moon Bin, Rocky, Yoon SanHa
Company: Fantagio Entertainment
Debut Date: August 18, 2015
Album: 2016-《Spring Up》, 《Summer Vibes》, 《Autumn Story》
Fandom Name: AROHA
Astro is a boy group consisting of six members, and the name itself is actually Spanish for universe, stars or idols. Through this new group, Fantagio Entertainment wishes for Astro to become shining stars and the world for their fans.
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Group Name: PENTAGON
Members: Jin Ho, Hui, Hong Seok, E’Dawn, Shin Won, Yeo One, Yan An, Yuto,
Kino, Woo Seok
Company: Cube Entertainment
Debut Date: October 10, 2016
Album: 2016-《PENTAGON》, 《FIVE SENSES》
Fandom Name: To be decided
You will always hear Pentagon says “TENTASTIC” when introducing themselves because they combine the word “ten,” which tells the audience that there are 10 members in Pentagon, and the word “fantastic” to express their great confidence.
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Group Name: VICTON
Members: Han Seung Woo、Kang Seung Sik、Heo Chan、Lim SeJun、Do
HanSe、Choi Byung Chan、Jung SuBin
Company: PLAN A Entertainment
Debut Date: November 9, 2016
Album: 2016-《Voice To New World》
Fandom Name: ALICE
VICTON is the only boy group under PLAN A Entertainment, which is also known for its female group Apink. One thing worth mentioning is that Sunhwa, sister of VICTON leader Han Seung Woo, is a former member of Secret, another girl group.
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Group Name: KNK
Member: You Jin, Seung Jun, In Seong, Ji Hun, Hee Jun
Company: YNB Entertainment
Debut Date: March 3, 2016
Album: 2016-《KNOCK》, 《요즘 넌 어때》, 《AWAKE》, 《REMAIN》
Fandom Name: 팅커벨（Tinkerbell）
The group name KNK originates from K-pop kNocK, indicating the members’ determination to use their music to rock the K-pop era.
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Group Name: SF9
Members: In Seong, Young Bin, Jae Yoon, Da Won, Zu Ho, Ro Woon, Tae Yang,
Hui Young, Chan Hee
Company: FNC Entertainment
Debut Date: October 5, 2016
Album: 2016-《Feeling Sensation》, 《如能與你相伴（너와 함께라면）》,
《Burning Sensation》
Fandom Name: FANTASY
Different from the other boy groups listed above, the nine members of SF9 were selected from the FNC Entertainment talent show “d.o.b.”
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*Image Sources:
The Spread 
First time hearing about some of these. Will give them a try. ^_^